Volunteers
All volunteers in our school must obtain criminal record check (CRC) clearance.
The Ministry of Justice has regulations requiring ANY volunteer who comes near or works around children to complete a criminal record check, regardless of the time spent working near or around them. This requirement involves a Criminal Record Search, valid for 5 years, which will include a Vulnerable Sector Search. You must have criminal record check clearance in order to volunteer.
The reason for this is to ensure the safety of our students at all times regardless of a position or purpose. This means that all volunteers must obtain the same CRC clearance as employees. If you are planning to volunteer on a field trip, in a classroom, in the library, handing out hot lunch, to read, or to help in any way you will require a criminal record check completed. These will be valid for 5 years.
How to Complete a Criminal Record Check:
We ask our volunteers to complete the Volunteer Application, and Confidentiality Form, and submit to the school office. These must be returned to the school before you can obtain a Criminal Record Search.
If you have the BC Services Account and the app, please email criminal.check@abbyschools.ca:
- your LEGAL first and last name;
- the email address you would like the link and information sent to;
- confirmation that you have a BC Services Account and the app installed;
- you are requesting a volunteer CRC.
Otherwise, please visit the Abbotsford School Board office located at 2790 Tims Street and bring two pieces of ID (see below). No appointment needed.
The School Board office will receive the results. Approval could take up to 6 weeks. Please check with the teacher or the office to confirm if your CRC has been approved.
Once processed, SBO reception will update the CRC Master list.
Reminder for Volunteers
Volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults are required to complete a CRC as per the Criminal Records Review Act. The CRC must be completed through the Abbotsford School District, who is registered with the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP). If a volunteer provides a Police/RCMP check, they will be required to complete a new one through us and the CRRPs online system.
The Volunteer Master List is updated as per our regular process. If the volunteer’s status is pending, their CRC has not been processed and they are not permitted to volunteer. The CRC process turnaround could take up to six weeks.
Parent Volunteer Drivers
Occasionally, parents will be asked to drive students to events, such as field trips, sport events etc. Parents who are able to drive other students must be district approved drivers.
To become a district approved driver you will need to:
- Complete AP 308-2 Volunteer Driver Application and submit to school.
- Present your original driver's license and insurance papers for the school to photocopy.
- Get your free ICBC drivers abstract that can be filled out online and then brought to the school. You can also call ICBC at 1.800.950.1498 and have it faxed to our school at 604-852-0465.
Additional Information